1998 Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva
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Tasting notes
Massolino's 1998 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda showed beautifully and consistent with previous tastings. This is one of the 1998s that desperately needs to be opened several hours before drinking as the wine benefits immensely from air. Sweet roses, violets, menthol, spices, licorice, leather and plums are just some of the nuances that emerge from this firm, classically-built Barolo.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The very complete and immensely enjoyable 1998 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda presents a superbly elegant nose of violets, menthol, spices, licorice, smoke and underbrush. It comes across as soft yet persistent, and displays beautifully delineated flavors of rich dark fruit, with a balsamic note that develops in the glass, finishing with great length and overall balance.
The very complete and immensely enjoyable 1998 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda presents a superbly elegant nose of violets, menthol, spices, licorice, smoke and underbrush. It comes across as soft yet persistent, and displays beautifully delineated flavors of rich dark fruit, with a balsamic note that develops in the glass, finishing with great length and overall balance. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799
Just south of Serralunga. Medium deep garnet with brickish rim. Quite evolved and gamey yet with a lifted smoky fruit note. Dryish, less luscious, more robust. Chocolate covered cherries. Classic firmness but without a hint of greenness. Structure clothed in black fruit. Complexity already showing even though the overall impression is still youthful. (JH)